CHAMPAIGN — While mail-in ballots could shake up the election results, five candidates are currently in the lead to win seats on the Champaign Unit 4 Board of Education.
According to unofficial results from the Champaign County Clerk’s office, Fatima Ahmed currently has the highest vote total out of the 11 candidates running for the school board.
Ahmed and Justin Michael Hendrix are ahead in the race to fill the seats that have been left vacant due to resignations. Their terms would last two years.
Christy Arnold, Tony Bruno and Grace Kang have the most votes for the three seats with a four-year term.
Arnold, who is an accountant, thinks voters responded to her more direct assessment of what the district needs.
“I think it signals that we need a real change on the board, and a lot less dysfunction and more collaboration with the community,” Arnold said.
Three Champaign Unit 4 school board members resigned in 2024, citing unproductive group dynamics.
Bruno, who is a lawyer, also said voters want a change. He said he is not counting his eggs before they hatch — but if he is elected, he would support replacing superintendent Shelia Boozer.
“My first priority is to restore a sense of confidence in the school board, and then to do what we’ve promised to do, which is to find a superintendent who can bring us into a brighter future and deliver on the expectations that all parents should have for their children,” Bruno said.
He said he wants a superintendent who is effective, professional and accountable.
Ahmed and Arnold have also said they would replace the current superintendent, while Kang and Hendrix said they would need to learn more first.
Hendrix, who is a teacher for students developing hearing, said by text on election night that he was feeling thankful.
“I believe the results showcase each candidate’s hard work and heart for our children, families, and schools.”
The number of votes in the race may shift over the next two weeks as more mail-in ballots could arrive. Official results from the county clerk’s office will be finalized by April 22.